Admin

Norfolk County, MA Real Estate News

By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Recently, I was chatting with someone and mentioned that I had spent two hours cleaning a new listing that was coming soon because the hired cleaning lady canceled last minute. They looked at me and asked why I was doing it.To someone outside the industry, it’s easy to look at a real estate agent and say, “That’s not your job.” But those of us who live this work know the truth: a great agent does whatever it takes to keep a transaction moving forward, protect their client, and get them to the closing table with as little stress as possible.Sometimes that means doing things that never show up on a job description. I’ve cleaned out entire houses, packed boxes, washed floors, scrubbed kitchens and bathrooms, and even washed windows when a seller needed help preparing for photos or showings...
Comments 8
By Nancy Moore, Assoc.Broker/Realtor In my hometown of Needham,MA
(Gibson Sotheby's International Realty)
Buying a luxury home in Needham Center is not just about finding a beautiful property.It is about understanding timing, value, competition, micro-location, and how to move with confidence when the right home appears.In 2026, Needham remains one of the most competitive real estate markets in the Boston suburbs. Inventory is limited, buyer demand is strong, and well-positioned homes in Needham and its neighborhoods can move quickly.For buyers looking in the $1.8M to $3M range, choosing the right buyer agent matters.Why local expertise matters in Needham Needham Center is one of the most desirable parts of town because of its access to shops, restaurants, services, commuter rail, and Route 128. For many relocating buyers, move-up buyers, and luxury home buyers, that combination of convenie...
Comments 1
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
When you tour a home for sale, you’re being welcomed into someone’s private, lived‑in space. A showing is your opportunity to get a feel for the design, layout, condition, and amenities - not to investigate the property as if it were a home inspection. The sellers may have stepped out to give you privacy, but the home is still occupied, and respecting their space truly matters.It’s natural to be excited, and you’re welcome to bring supportive people - parents, friends, even a contractor - to a first or second showing. But there are boundaries. A showing is not the time to bring tools, lift carpeting, open electrical panels, move furniture, or pry behind walls to check for leaks. Those actions cross into inspection territory and can damage the home or violate the seller’s trust.A home in...
Comments 7
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Bellingham, Massachusetts, offers the perfect blend of small‑town comfort, community spirit, and modern convenience, making it an appealing choice for families of all ages. Its welcoming neighborhoods, strong civic pride, and easy access to major highways create a lifestyle that feels both peaceful and connected.A Community That Truly Comes TogetherBellingham hosts a variety of family‑friendly events throughout the year, including summer concerts, holiday parades, library programs, youth sports, and senior center activities. The town’s recreation department is active, offering programs for children, teens, and adults. Whether it’s youth baseball, adult fitness classes, or senior social gatherings, there’s something for every age group.Schools and EducationBellingham Public Schools are w...
Comments 5
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Great Opportunity to own in South Bellingham! Welcome home to 43 Locust St, Bellingham.  This well-maintained, split-level property features 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, three-season porch, one-car garage, and a 12x24 shed equipped with power. Numerous updates have been made over the years, but more recently the living room, kitchen and hallway have been freshly painted. A mini-split AC/heat unit has been installed on the main level for your comfort. You'll find wood flooring under the carpets.  The basement is partially finished with a 1/2 bath and woodstove and is just awaiting your finishing touch. The private yard features numerous perennials and is a haven for wildlife. It is conveniently located near the Wrentham and Franklin town lines, Bellingham's South Elementary School, sho...
Comments 6
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
If you’ve ever bought or sold a condominium in Massachusetts, you’ve likely heard the term “6D certificate.” It’s one of those documents that sounds mysterious but plays a crucial role in keeping condo transactions clean, transparent, and legally compliant. Whether you’re a first‑time buyer, a seasoned seller, or simply brushing up on your real estate knowledge, understanding the 6D certificate is essential.What Is a 6D Certificate?A 6D certificate is a legal document required under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 183A, Section 6(d). It confirms whether a condo unit has any outstanding common charges, such as unpaid condo fees, special assessments, late fees, or legal charges owed to the association. Because Massachusetts has a super‑lien law, condo associations can place a priority ...
Comments 7
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
If you know me well, you know that I LOVE horses! Pictured: Kelly and MaxI started dressage lessons when I was 12 and restarted lessons again in my 40s!  I went every single week, and it was the best part of my week, hands down!  One thing I really loved about my lessons was that during them, it was the only time I wasn’t thinking about anything else. When I’m doing almost anything else, there’s always something in the back of my mind—a person, a task, an upcoming appointment, a reminder, a holiday, or something else—constantly competing for my attention. I’m not sure if that’s normal, but it’s normal for me.When you’re on a horse, the most important things you learn are power and trust, built through communication and being fully present. Every movement you make signals the horse to re...
Comments 3
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Bellingham/Franklin Rabies Clinic OfferedBellingham and Franklin Animal Control is offering a Rabies Clinic on April 11th from 9 am - Noon at the Bellingham DPW located at 26 Blackstone Street, Bellingham, MA. The fee is $20 (cash please).Do Indoor-Only Pets Need Vaccinations?Indoor pets are not immune to disease exposure. Pathogens can enter the home through shoes, windows, or visitors, and indoor cats and dogs can still get sick.Core vaccines are recommended for all pets, regardless of lifestyle. Diseases like rabies, distemper, and panleukopenia can be fatal and are easily prevented.Vaccination protects your pet, your family, and the community. It’s a vital part of responsible pet ownership, even for indoor-only animals.How do indoor pets get exposed to disease?Human Traffic - Family...
Comments 8
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
I sometimes take my understanding of real estate terminology for granted. I often use real estate terms without considering whether the person I’m speaking to understands what I’m talking about. When I see a blank expression, I slow down and explain what I mean in layman's terms until they start asking questions (instead of just nodding their heads in agreement).Once the questions begin, I know they are absorbing the information.I am currently assisting some first-time buyers who have just completed their very first home inspection. The inspection went quite well, with only a few minor issues noted. Once they understood the concept of a seller concession, they excelled in negotiating a strong proposal, which I then presented to the listing agent. We have reached an agreement and are rea...
Comments 6
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Today, I handed over the keys to a spacious townhouse in Hawthorne Village!The new tenant will create wonderful memories in this two-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home, which includes a two-car garage. It's located in a lovely neighborhood close to downtown Franklin, with convenient access to commuter rail, schools, shopping, and restaurants.Lucky for me, a Hawthorne Village owner contacted me to rent their unit as well.  If you are looking for a townhouse to rent in Franklin, I have another one available! Share this townhouse at 1C Hawthorne Village with anyone looking for a rental. It is easy to show and will be available by the end of March.  Contact me to schedule your viewing.  
Comments 8
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
The Norfolk County office has an 'Are you Ok?' program, where enrolled seniors or people with disabilities can receive a call each morning to check on their well-being.The program is offered 365 days a year, free of charge, to Norfolk County residents.Each person who signs up is called every single day of the year via an automated call system. If the person does not answer the phone, the call is made again by an officer. If there is still no answer or the person says they need assistance, the officer will ensure someone is sent to help.The “Are You OK?” program helps communities keep their citizens safe. With 1,700 communities running this program, families and elderly enrollees can rest easier knowing there is an added layer of security for them.If you or someone you know could benefit...
Comments 13
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Today, I listed a 32-acre property in Bellingham, MA. It’s conveniently located near Route 495 and just one exit from the commuter rail in Franklin, MA. It’s also close to schools, restaurants, shopping, banks, and downtown.This property offers about 15 acres of land available for your project. It’s zoned for mixed use (Industrial and Residential), and while part of it includes wetlands, it’s not located in a flood zone according to FEMA maps.There is an opportunity to be had here.The seller owns a property on Valleyview that could serve as another access point to this land and is open to including it in the sale for an additional cost.I’ve done my research and spoken with the town about the process for approaching the town boards to get approvals for both industrial and residential use...
Comments 7
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
 Welcome home to 109 Blackstone Street, Bellingham! This pet-friendly, 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom half-duplex home has been remodeled from top to bottom. Fresh paint, new kitchen and bathrooms and new flooring throughout. When the finishing touches are complete, this rental will be available for immediate occupancy.  Monthly rent $2850.The new kitchen includes cabinetry, quartz countertops, laminate flooring, all new stainless-steel appliances (refrigerator, stove, microwave, and dishwasher) and a pantry closet. Upstairs features two bedrooms with ample closet space and a full bathroom. The walk-out basement offers two finished, heated rooms with new wall-to-wall carpeting, multiple closets for storage, and laundry area (washer dryer included). Outside is a large yard with shed for additio...
Comments 4
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Hawthorne Village Townhouse For RentLooking for a four-bedroom rental in Franklin? This Hawthorne Village property will be available starting March 1st. This townhouse features four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, conveniently located near Franklin’s commuter rail, and Dean College. Amenities include a one-car garage, community pool, and a deck off the living room. Eat-in, updated kitchen, and dining room, living room with wood-burning fireplace on first floor. The first floor also has a bedroom that can double as an office or den, while the second floor offers a master suite with its own bathroom, a loft, another bedroom, and a full bath. The fully finished basement includes a den/family room, laundry room, bedroom, and full bathroom, plus plenty of storage space. Applicants must complete ...
Comments 6
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Oftentimes, I am asked by clients how they can help me with my real estate business.  The answer is simple: Share my listings and posts on social media Write a review Engage on social media posts Send referrals  All four ways hold so much weight in my real estate business.  This time of year many people think about selling. I’d be more than happy to have the opportunity to discuss with them how I may assist in this big decision.I am truly blessed to have so many people supporting me all these years. Thank you for your continued support!
Comments 5
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
The Bellingham Library is hosting a talk on '10 Steps to Researching the History of Your House in Bellingham' on Thursday, February 5th from 6:30-745pm.What is a house history?A house history is a collection of information about a home’s past. At its simplest, it could be old photos showing the house at different times over the years, or maybe a scrapbook filled with pictures, newspaper clippings about neighborhood events, and mentions of past residents. For some, it’s more about the architectural story describing the style and noting any changes made to the structure. For others, it’s the tales of the people who lived there over the years. A house history can be any combination of these elements, depending on what the current residents of an older home choose to include.This program is...
Comments 10
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Lending money to family and friends can create misunderstandings and strain relationships. Before transferring money, review these key guidelines:Do Ensure your finances are secure before lending—stable income, minimal debt, and an emergency fund. Set a loan limit you can afford to lose. Consider how likely repayment is based on the borrower's history. Assess potential impact on your relationship; sometimes it's better to say no. Write down your agreement with clear terms: amounts, repayment schedule, duration, and what happens if circumstances change. Larger loans may require a legal contract. Don’t Risk your own financial stability. Lend due to pressure or obligation; offer alternative forms of support if possible. Co-sign loans without understanding that it affects your credit and yo...
Comments 18
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Choosing to sell your home is no small matter and demands careful thought. You might be downsizing, needing more space, facing financial changes, or aiming to benefit from a thriving sellers’ market—whatever your reason, when you decide to sell can make a major difference financially. But how do you figure out the right moment? Is there an ideal number of years to own your home before selling? This blog delves into common motivations for selling and highlights factors that could shape your decision.Common Reasons Homeowners Decide to SellHomeowners list their homes for sale for many reasons, but these are among the most frequent:DownsizingSelling to downsize often happens as lifestyle needs or finances shift. Living in a house that’s too big can lead to higher utility bills, increased u...
Comments 7
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
 The 4 Cs of credit are the main factors lenders use to assess a borrower’s creditworthiness: character, capacity, collateral, and capital. These pillars are important to review before applying for a loan, but many people may not fully understand what each one means. Let’s break them down:Character: When it comes to credit, character means showing trustworthiness and reliability, usually judged by your payment history and credit score.Capacity: An individual’s capacity is essentially about whether they can afford to repay the amount being borrowed. It’s one of the key factors lenders look at, often by checking things like how much debt you already have, how that debt compares to your income, and how taking on a new payment would impact that balance.Collateral: When taking out a loan to ...
Comments 8
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
I'm excited to share that I SOLD 56 Prescott Road, Northbridge MA today! In real estate, nothing beats the excitement of closing day. While there are plenty of great moments in this business, closing is by far my favorite. This particular home had its share of challenges, but thanks to a solid marketing plan and open houses every weekend (except for holidays), we found the right buyer—who is now thrilled to officially call themselves a homeowner.The players in this transaction worked well together, and I really appreciated the clear communication, which can sometimes be hit or miss.  It was the behind-the-scenes effort that brought everything together smoothly and right on time!This is closing #24 for year 2025!  It's a wrap!  
Comments 8